Irak

Översikt

Iraq’s security environment remains at a serious level despite having seized back all territory captured by the Islamic State (IS) militants in 2017 and the complete fall of the caliphate in March 2019. Sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shi'a factions, including militias, remain and can pose a threat of violent outbursts. IS insurgent groups also remain active with many fighters having gone into hiding now committing occational ambushes and bombings. Between 2018-19, the country was also being hit by massive protests over economic malaise and poor basic services. Violent clashes also broke out occasionally between security forces and protesters.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Iraq. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

A valid Internationl Vaccination Certificate with proof of Polio vaccination is required from all travellers arriving from and departing to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.

Schistosomiasis cases have been reported along the entire Euphrates and Tigris river system, their tributaries, irrigation canals, marsh areas, and urban areas. Isolated cases have been reported in the area of Tall Kayf and in Al Qa'im. The mountainous regions, namely the provinces of Erbil, Kirkuk, and Sulaymaniyah are risk free. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

Typhoid fever vaccination is recommended when going outside the areas usually visited by tourists such as traveling extensively in the interior of the country, for persons on working assignments in remote areas, or travellers visiting for extended periods of time.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Iraq.

As medicines and pharmacies are of questionable availability and reliability, you should bring your own prescription drugs and preventative medicines with you. These should be in generically-labelled containers and be supported by official medical documentation.

Medical care is very limited outside of Iraq’s major cities and major illnesses may require an evacuation to neighbouring countries. Be aware that most doctors and medical facilities will expect payment in cash, regardless of your health insurance terms. In general, the private clinics in Baghdad provide better care than the public facilities, but at a higher price. There is at least one public hospital in every municipality in Baghdad. There is a fee for entering the hospital, but it is often relatively low.

Pass

Passports are required for all foreigners wishing to travel to Iraq. These must be valid for at least 6 months beyond dates of the issuing of a visa. Due to the instability in the country, passport and visa regulations are subject to change at short notice.

Visum

Visas are required for most entry into Iraq and must be obtained prior to travel. Official invitations are needed to obtain a visa, usually provided by your employer or your resident country’s ministry of foreign affairs.

Over 30 nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival, including EU citizens, US, Russian, Chinese and UK nationals. For certain nationalities the Visa on Arrival may only be obtained at Al Najaf International Airport and Basra International Airport.

Travellers can usually obtain a visa on arrival from immigration officials in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, however these visas are not eligible elsewhere in Iraq.

Visitors planning on staying more than 10 days must obtain a residency stamp; this is given at no extra charge. In order to obtain this stamp you must present valid credentials or proof of employment, two passport-sized photos, and HIV test results.